President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the removal of excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, invoking his authority under Republic Act 12316 to cushion Filipino households from rising fuel costs.
In a press briefing in Malacañang April 13, the President said the move will immediately bring down prices. “Katumbas ito ng P3.36 kada litrong bawas sa LPG, at P5.60 kada litrong bawas sa kerosene (This is equivalent to a reduction of P3.36 per liter for LPG and P5.60 per liter for kerosene).”
“Ibig sabihin, bababa ang gastos sa pagluluto at sa araw-araw na pangangailangan (This means lower costs for cooking and daily needs),” he added.
Marcos said possible adjustments to excise taxes on gasoline and diesel will be discussed in the upcoming meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee today, April 14.
The tax relief comes as global oil prices remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, prompting the government to roll out targeted interventions to ease the impact on consumers.
LPG and kerosene are widely used for cooking and basic household needs, particularly among low-income families, making them critical in managing daily expenses.
The measure is anchored on RA 12316, signed last month, which authorizes the President to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products when global oil prices breach specified thresholds.
The move complements other interventions under the UPLIFT program, including fuel subsidies for public utility vehicles and service contracting to support commuters. | PNA
